Women in Business networking event also supports Thumbs up for Charlie
There's something rather special about bringing women in business together. The conversations, the shared experiences, the new connections and, of course, the opportunity to learn from each other.
It's exactly why our very own Liz Cliffe along with Lisa Lodge of Vincents Solicitors decided to create Elevate, a networking event that brings together women from across Lancashire to share ideas and support one another.
And judging by the success of the second Elevate gathering, held recently at Bruccianis in Preston, it's certainly becoming something special.
With inspiring stories, some valuable conversations and a very special charity close to everyone's hearts, there was a lot to take away from the evening.
An evening of inspiration and business advice
“You’ll regret not doing it, so have faith in yourself,” were the words of wisdom from Lancashire legend Amanda Dowson at the latest Elevate women in business event.
Mrs Dowson as she’s officially known, is the woman behind the ice cream brand, farm park, family dairy and now Halloween Scare Kingdon event.
Quizzed by co-founder Liz Cliffe of Towers + Gornall, Amanda spoke about the inspiration behind the business, the challenges the family have overcome, and a future where she takes a step back to leave her three children to get on with it themselves.
“We’re still here, that’s the thing I’m most proud of. So many startup businesses don’t make it past 12 months.
“We’re still a family unit, still building and going up together, I don’t ever want to lose that, it’s the heart of our business,” said Amanda.
The Dowsons diversified from milk production to making ice cream, a product with added value, after selling half of the dairy herd following Brexit’s changes to the farming community. From initially selling their own recipe flavours from a shed on the farm and an old Bedford ice cream van, the business has grown and grown. The Farm Park at Clayton-le-Dale was launched in 2008 and there followed further expansion and the opening of an indoor play area in the latter stages of the Covid pandemic, another challenge which the family has overcome.
“I do still serve the ice cream when I can, it’s something I really enjoy, but I don’t often have the luxury as there’s so much else to do when we have up to 3,000 people on site every day,” said Amanda.
“I’m very proud that the next generation is taking over, that the family wants to continue what we started, although I keep being told to rein myself in and let them make their own mistakes.
“Every one of us has been at that crossroads, do I take that step? If you have the inspiration and you have the opportunity and you don’t do it, you’ll regret not doing it, so have faith in yourself.”
Sharing experiences and making connections
Amanda’s was one of many stories told throughout the evening. Jackie Connaughton and Julie Blinkho from the Business Health Institute in Garstang talked about their journeys; from the brink of burnout to a better way of working. Many other guests shared their secrets to success, echoing Amanda’s ethos: Ignore the doubts, just give it a go, don’t change who you are, stay passionate and true to yourself.
L-R: Jackie Connaughton (Garstang Business Health Institute), Julie Blinkho (Garstang Business Health Institute), Lisa lodge (Vincents Solicitors), Amanda Dowson (Mrs Dowsons Ice Cream), Liz Cliffe (Towers & Gornall)
Co-founder Lisa Lodge of Vincents Solicitors said the evening had been a heart-warmingly lovely success. She said, “The atmosphere at Bruccianis was just so warm and relaxed as guests just sat together, having a chat with someone they’d never met before, making real relationships over shared experiences and laughter.
“Elevate has become everything we hoped it would be after just two events, great advice and genuine connections. And we were delighted by how many people have asked for tickets to the next get together in February.”
Supporting a very special cause
The evening rounded off with a poignant talk from Nici Robinson who lost her son Charlie to a brain tumour age just five. She ‘turned pain into purpose’ and founded Blue Bear & Co which produces customised memory bears, and the charity Thumbs up for Charlie which supports families affected by paediatric brain tumours.
Nicola Robinson (Thumbs up for Charlie)
She encouraged guests to consider sponsoring a bear to be donated to hospice and bereavement services across the UK. She said, “For when families are going through the worst possible time, to give them some comfort and connection.”
Money raised on the night was also donated Thumbs Up for Charlie.
The next Elevate event
Reflecting on the success of the second Elevate event, Liz Cliffe added, “Thank you to everyone who came, to our guest speakers for kindly sharing their insights, and to Nici whose brave story was humbling and inspirational.
“Special thanks to the team at Bruccianis for hosting Elevate as their first private evening event. I think we all agree they did an amazing job, the food was absolutely delicious, the venue is stunning, and the team were lovely.”
Guest Kierson Owen of Sentinel Risk added: “It was wonderful to hear from some truly inspiring speakers, gain some valuable insights and have the opportunity to meet such a lovely group of ladies.
“It’s always so nice to connect with like-minded women, share experiences and support one another in both business and life. I came away feeling positive and inspired.
“Thank you to everyone involved in organising such a welcoming and enjoyable event. I really look forward to keeping in touch and hopefully seeing you all again in February.”
The next Elevate event will take place in February.
For women in business looking to make new connections, share experiences and enjoy an inspiring evening in good company, Elevate offers a welcoming opportunity to do just that.
To register your interest and receive advance notice when tickets are released, email LisaLodge@vslaw.couk or LizC@tagac.co.uk.
